System and method for establishing virtual boundaries for robotic devices

ABSTRACT

Methods for utilizing virtual boundaries with robotic devices are presented including: positioning a boundary component having a first receiver pair to receive a first robotic device signal substantially simultaneously by each receiver of the first receiver pair from a first robotic device only when the first robotic device is positioned along a first virtual boundary; operating the first robotic device to move automatically within an area co-located with the first virtual boundary; transmitting the first robotic device signal by the first robotic device; and receiving the first robotic device signal by the first receiver pair thereby indicating that the first robotic device is positioned along the first virtual boundary.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to robotic systems generally, and more particularly to providing virtual boundaries for limiting surface coverage by robotic devices. This invention relates to confining the surface movement to defined areas of mobile robotic devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Robotic devices may operate within a confined portion of a physical area or workspace. Mobile robots may perform routine tasks, such as vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, cutting grass, etc., without moving into certain areas specified by the user. However, on occasion, a vacuuming robot operating within a first area may be permitted to travel into a second area prior to satisfactory completion of, for example, a vacuuming task within the first area. In other instances, the vacuuming robot may collide with and, potentially, damage a fragile or unstable object that is not detected by sensors accessed by the vacuuming robot. In other instances, a user may simply prefer that a vacuuming robot remain outside of an area, for example, if the area is currently in use. Thus, it may be useful to confine a robotic device so as to operate within certain areas and to prevent unwanted transition between areas.

One approach toward confining robotic device may be to utilize physical barriers that block the robotic device from entering, or becoming proximate with, one or more objects and/or areas of operation. However, this solution is neither efficient nor practical since substantial extra equipment (e.g., barriers and/or other objects) may encumber routine movement through the area of operation by the robotic device. Further, such an approach may involve an undesirable degree of human intervention, which may decrease a level of autonomy of the system as a whole.

Various systems have been proposed to confine and control robotic devices within subsections of workspaces. It can be advantageous to confine a robotic vacuum, for example, in a portion of a workspace so that it can adequately clean that space before moving on to another area. As such, systems and methods for establishing virtual boundaries for robotic devices are provided herein.

SUMMARY

A virtual boundary device having one or more pairs of signal receivers may be placed at a desired location to establish a virtual boundary. Anytime a pair of receivers of a virtual boundary device receive signals from a corresponding robotic device, which is programmed to emit wireless signals, the virtual boundary device sends a signal back to the robotic device. Upon receiving a signal from the virtual boundary device, the robotic device may be programmed to activate movement patterns to turn away from or otherwise not cross a virtual boundary created by methods disclosed herein. In operation, a virtual boundary is established along a line where a set of receivers are able to receive signals from a single origin at the same time. The housing of the receivers is designed in a way such that both receivers can receive signals from a single origin along substantially only one line. Only when the robotic device is along the virtual boundary will a signal emitted from the robotic device reach both receivers of the virtual boundary device. When the robotic device is not positioned along the virtual boundary, then signals emitted from the robotic device cannot reach both receivers of the virtual boundary device and the robotic device may continue along its established path.

Any number of pairs of signal receivers may be provided on virtual boundary device embodiments. Paired signal receivers may be provided at different angles on the virtual boundary device to create multiple boundaries along different directions. In some embodiments, each pair of signal receivers may be activated or deactivated with a switch activated in response to user input, timers, light sensitivity, motion activity, and the like. Users may customize the virtual boundaries to the specific needs of their environment. In some embodiments, the position of one or more pairs of signal receivers may be adjustable with pivoting or movable members.

Methods for utilizing virtual boundaries with robotic devices are presented including: positioning a boundary component having a first receiver pair to receive a first robotic device signal substantially simultaneously by each receiver of the first receiver pair from a first robotic device only when the first robotic device is positioned along a first virtual boundary; operating the first robotic device to move automatically within an area co-located with the first virtual boundary; transmitting the first robotic device signal by the first robotic device; and receiving the first robotic device signal by the first receiver pair thereby indicating that the first robotic device is positioned along the first virtual boundary. In some embodiments, methods further include: in response to receiving the first robotic device signal substantially simultaneously, altering the first robotic device movement to avoid crossing the virtual boundary. In some embodiments, methods altering the first robotic movement further includes: transmitting a boundary signal from the boundary device; and receiving the boundary signal by the first robotic device. In some embodiments, methods further include: the first robotic device signal is only transmitted during a designated time. In some embodiments, the first receiver pair is configured to receive the first robotic device signal only during a designated time. In some embodiments, methods further include: positioning at least one additional boundary component each having at least one additional receiver pair to receive the first robotic device signal substantially simultaneously from the first robotic device only when the first robotic device is positioned along at least one additional virtual boundary; operating the first robotic device to move automatically within an area co-located with the at least one additional virtual boundary; transmitting the first robotic device signal by the first robotic device; and receiving the first robotic device signal by the at least one additional first receiver pair thereby indicating that the first robotic device is positioned along the at least one additional virtual boundary. In some embodiments, the first passage and the second passage each further include a number of baffles positioned along first and second passage walls, where the number of baffles are angled toward openings of the first and second passage. In some embodiments, the passages are angled to physically prevent the first robotic device signal from substantially simultaneously reaching the receiver pair except when the first robotic device is positioned along the first virtual boundary.

In other embodiments, virtual boundary systems for robotic devices are presented including: at least one robotic device each including, a robotic transmitter for transmitting a robotic device signal, a robotic receiver for receiving a boundary signal, and a robotic controller for altering movement of the robotic device in response to receiving the boundary signal; at least one boundary device each including, at least one boundary component having passages and a receiver pair, the receiver pair configured to receive the robotic device signal substantially simultaneously by each receiver of the receiver pair when the at least one robotic device is positioned along at least one virtual boundary, and a boundary transmitter for transmitting the boundary signal in response to receiving the robotic device signal substantially simultaneously. In some embodiments, the at least one boundary device includes: at least two boundary components pivotally coupled therewith where each of the at least two boundary components each establish a separate virtual boundary.

In other embodiments, computing device program products for utilizing virtual boundaries with robotic devices are presented, the computing device program products including: a non-transitory computer readable medium; first programmatic instructions for operating a first robotic device to move automatically within an area co-located with a first virtual boundary, the first virtual boundary established by positioning a boundary component having a first receiver pair to receive a first robotic device signal substantially simultaneously by each receiver of the first receiver pair from the first robotic device only when the first robotic device is positioned along the first virtual boundary; second programmatic instructions for transmitting the first robotic device signal by the first robotic device; third programmatic instructions for receiving the first robotic device signal by the first receiver pair thereby indicating that the first robotic device is positioned along the first virtual boundary; and fourth programmatic instructions for altering the first robotic device movement to avoid crossing the virtual boundary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive features of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the operation of a virtual boundary system embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a robotic device embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a virtual boundary device embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of a robotic device approaching a virtual boundary embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of a robotic device intersecting a virtual boundary embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a virtual boundary device embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a virtual boundary device embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a virtual boundary device embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates virtual boundary devices embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a virtual boundary device embodying features of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a virtual boundary device embodying features of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Various embodiments are described hereinbelow, including methods and techniques. It should be kept in mind that the invention might also cover articles of manufacture that includes a computer readable medium on which computer-readable instructions for carrying out embodiments of the inventive technique are stored. The computer readable medium may include, for example, semiconductor, magnetic, opto-magnetic, optical, or other forms of computer readable medium for storing computer readable code. Further, the invention may also cover apparatuses for practicing embodiments of the invention. Such apparatus may include circuits, dedicated and/or programmable, to carry out tasks pertaining to embodiments of the invention. Examples of such apparatus include a general-purpose computer and/or a dedicated computing device when appropriately programmed and may include a combination of a computer/computing device and dedicated/programmable circuits adapted for the various tasks pertaining to embodiments of the invention. The disclosure described herein is directed generally to one or more processor-automated methods and/or systems that generate one or more virtual barriers for restricting or permitting autonomous robotic device movement within or out of a working area.

As understood herein, the term “robot” or “robotic device” may be defined generally to include one or more autonomous devices having communication, mobility, and/or processing elements. For example, a robot or robotic device may comprise a casing or shell, a chassis including a set of wheels, a motor to drive wheels, a receiver that acquires signals transmitted from, for example, a transmitting beacon, a processor, and/or controller that processes and/or controls motor and other robotic autonomous or cleaning operations, network or wireless communications, power management, etc., and one or more clock or synchronizing devices.

Preferably one or more virtual boundary devices having one or more receivers, transmitters, or transceivers are provided to be portable and self-powered. In embodiments, a user may easily position a virtual boundary device in order to create a virtual boundary for the robotic device. The robotic device detects the position of the virtual boundary when it approaches it through communication between the robotic device and the virtual boundary device. Once the robotic device has detected its close proximity to the boundary it will alter its movement to avoid crossing the boundary.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the operation of virtual boundary system 100 embodying features of the present invention. Virtual boundary device 102 may be placed in a position where the user desires to restrict the movement of robotic device 104. Virtual boundary device 102 may have one or more paired receivers that establish virtual boundaries. As illustrated, two sets of paired receivers 106 and 108 are configured for providing virtual boundaries. As may be seen, receiver pair 106 establishes virtual boundary 110 and receiver pair 108 establishes a virtual boundary 112. Receiver pairs 106 and 108 may be either active devices which send and receive signals or passive devices which only receive signals in order to establish virtual boundaries. As illustrated, receiver pairs 106 and 108 may be pivotally coupled with virtual boundary device 102 such that a user may adjust the respective positions and angles of virtual boundaries 110 and 112 about pivot point 130.

As illustrated, robotic device 104 may, in the course of executing a coverage pattern for a work area, move in direction 140 toward virtual boundary 110. When robotic device 104 is positioned approximately along virtual boundary 110, receiver pair 106 may substantially simultaneously receive a signal emitted by robotic device 104 and virtual boundary device 102 may send a signal to robotic device 104 to take an appropriate action to avoid crossing boundary 110. In embodiments, the robotic device may alter its movement in any number of ways such as, stopping, slowing, and changing course without limitation. In embodiments, other appropriate actions may include triggering an algorithm or marking the present location as a boundary on a map without limitation. In further embodiments methods may allow robotic devices to pass a virtual boundary after a number of times of encountering the virtual boundary. In so doing, a work area may be completed before a robotic device moves across the virtual boundary to another work area. In other embodiments, methods may provide location information as a robotic device crosses a virtual boundary. For example, when a boundary system is placed at an entrance threshold, a robotic device crossing the virtual boundary provided may signal that the robotic device has entered a particular room and is now covering that room.

In some embodiments, receiver pairs 106 and 108 are passive devices which receive signals in order to establish a boundary. Receiver pairs 106 and 108 may each be comprised of two focused receivers that are able to receive a signal from robotic devices along substantially a single virtual boundary or plane which separates a desired robot work area from an area where the robotic device is prohibited. In an embodiment, receiver pairs 106 and 108 are each comprised of a pair of receivers positioned such that a signal may only be received at both receivers substantially simultaneously when the origin of the signal is substantially along the virtual boundary or plane.

The general method of operation of embodiments may now be disclosed. In embodiments, robotic devices may provide a continuous, semi-continuous, or pulsed robotic device signal as the robotic device moves about in its assigned work area. Each receiver pair may be monitored for detection of a robotic device signal. When both receivers of a receiver pair substantially simultaneously detect a robotic device signal, the robotic device emitting the robotic device signal will be positioned along a virtual boundary established by the receiver pair. A virtual boundary device will then send a boundary signal received by the robotic device. When the robotic device receives the boundary signal its movement is altered to avoid crossing the virtual boundary. In embodiments, the robotic device may alter its movement in any number of ways such as, stopping, slowing, and changing course without limitation. In embodiments, other appropriate actions may include triggering an algorithm or marking the present location as a boundary on a map without limitation. In further embodiments methods may allow robotic devices to pass a virtual boundary after a number of times of encountering the virtual boundary. In so doing, a work area may be completed before a robotic device moves across the virtual boundary to another work area. In other embodiments, methods may provide location information as a robotic device crosses a virtual boundary. For example, when a boundary system is placed at an entrance threshold, a robotic device crossing the virtual boundary provided may signal that the robotic device has entered a particular room and is now covering that room. In some embodiments, receiver pairs may be configured to receive robotic device signals constantly. In other embodiments receiver pairs may be configured to receive robotic device signals only on a desired schedule. In addition, in some embodiments, the robotic device signal may be configured to transmit only on a desired schedule. Furthermore, in embodiments, the boundary signal may be configured to transmit only on a desired schedule. In this manner, a robotic device may avoid a virtual boundary at designated times (such as during work hours) and ignore a virtual boundary at other times (such as during off hours).

FIG. 2 illustrates robotic device 104 embodying features of the present invention and/or having the type and functionality of a sample representative robotic device. As illustrated, robotic device 104 may include without limitation casing or shell 202, chassis 220, wheels 218, motor 214 for driving wheels 218, receiver 216 that detects transmitted signals, processor 224 and/or controller 226 to process and/or control motor and other robotic autonomous operations, network or wireless communications, power management, etc., and one or more clock or synchronizing devices 230. Device 104 may additionally include local digital memory or accessible storage unit 240 and wireless sonar/radio sensor and/or telecommunications transceiver 250 for mobile communication interface with a network or other wireless communication device, or boundary transceivers.

FIG. 3 illustrates virtual boundary device 300 embodying features of the present invention. As illustrated, virtual boundary device 300 may include housing 302. Within housing 302, receiver pair 310 and 312 are each located at the terminal end of each of passages 306 and 308 respectively. The combination of passages and receiver pair may be termed a virtual boundary component. Passages 306 and 308 extend from surface 304 to receiver pair 310 and 312 at an angle. The angle utilized prevents receiver pair 310 and 312 from substantially simultaneously receiving a signal unless the signal is emitted from a robotic device positioned along a line as illustrated by line 314. Thus, when a robotic device emitting a robotic device signal is positioned along virtual boundary 314, receiver pair 310 and 312 may substantially simultaneously receive a signal and thereby the robotic device may be caused to avoid the virtual boundary. In embodiments, the robotic device may avoid the virtual boundary by altering its movement in any number of ways such as, stopping, slowing, and changing course without limitation. In embodiments, other appropriate actions may include triggering an algorithm or marking the present location as a boundary on a map without limitation. In further embodiments methods may allow robotic devices to pass a virtual boundary after a number of times of encountering the virtual boundary. In so doing, a work area may be completed before a robotic device moves across the virtual boundary to another work area. In other embodiments, methods may provide location information as a robotic device crosses a virtual boundary. For example, when a boundary system is placed at an entrance threshold, a robotic device crossing the virtual boundary provided may signal that the robotic device has entered a particular room and is now covering that room. In embodiments, receiver pairs may be configured for receiving various signals such as, for example: infrared, laser, radio frequency, wifi, sonar, light, sound waves, global positioning signal, cellular communication device transmissions, magnetic field signal, or any other suitable wireless signal sent by a robotic device. In embodiments, the passages 306 are set at an angle with respect to a virtual boundary line. Passage angles may be in a range of approximately −90 to 90 degrees with respect to a virtual boundary line and preferably approximately −45 to 45 degrees with respect to a virtual boundary line. In addition, in embodiments, passage angles between sensors may be the same, may be inversely related, or may be different from each other without limitation.

In like manner, within housing 302, receiver pair 330 and 332 are each located at the terminal end of each of passages 326 and 328 respectively. Passages 326 and 328 extend from surface 324 to receiver pair 330 and 332 at an angle. The angle utilized prevents receiver pair 330 and 332 from substantially simultaneously receiving a signal unless the signal is emitted from a robotic device positioned along a line as illustrated by line 334. Thus, when a robotic device emitting a robotic device signal is positioned along virtual boundary 334, receiver pair 330 and 332 may substantially simultaneously receive a signal and thereby the robotic device may be caused to avoid the virtual boundary. In embodiments, receiver pairs may be configured for receiving various signals such as, for example: infrared, laser, radio frequency, wifi, sonar, light, sound waves, global positioning signal, cellular communication device transmissions, magnetic field signal, or any other suitable wireless signal sent by a robotic device. In embodiment, the passages 326 are set at an angle with respect to a boundary line 334.

Referring briefly to both FIGS. 2 and 3, in embodiments, passages 306 and 308 as well as receiver pair 310 and 312 may be positioned at substantially the same height as a transceiver 250 of robotic device 104 for improved reception of the signal from the robotic device. Likewise, in embodiments, passages 326 and 328 as well as receiver pair 330 and 332 may be positioned at substantially the same height as a transceiver 250 of robotic device 104 for improved reception of the signal from the robotic device.

Returning to FIG. 3, virtual boundary device 300 may include a controller 340 which may be electrically coupled with each of receiver 310, 312, 330, and 332. Further, transmitter 350 may be electrically coupled with controller 340. Transmitter 350 may be a transmitter for infrared, laser, radio frequency, wifi, sonar light, sound waves, global positioning signal, cellular communication device transmissions, magnetic field signal, or other suitable wireless transmitter which is compatible with a signal which may be received by the robotic device. Controller 340 may function to detect whether both receivers of any receiver pair substantially simultaneously receives an incoming signal. Any time a receiver pair substantially simultaneously receives an incoming signal, controller 340 enables transmitter 350 to transmit boundary signals, which may be received by a robotic device positioned along a virtual boundary and which may be programmed to alter its movement path upon receipt of the boundary signal. The controller 340 may be implemented with AND gate logic circuits. Other implementations may also be used, such as processor based controllers.

In embodiments, housings may be constructed of a type of material and a thickness which effectively blocks the robotic device signal. Alternatively, the circuit 340 may monitor the signal strength of the robotic device signal at each receiver and only enables the transmitter when the signal strength from both receivers exceeds a threshold amount which indicates that the robotic device signal is passing through both passages to the respective receivers.

FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of robotic device 104 approaching virtual boundary 314 embodying features of the present invention. The method will now be described. Virtual boundary device 300 may be positioned to establish virtual boundaries or planes 314 and 334. Virtual boundaries 314 and 334 apportion an area into a robotic device work area 410 and out of bounds area 412. In operation, robotic device 104 may be enabled to cover a surface area in a defined or random pattern. As such, robotic device 104 may move within the work area 410 co-located with virtual boundary 314. During movement, robotic device 104 may be configured to emit a continuous, semi-continuous, or pulsed robotic device signal 420 from its transceiver 250 (see FIG. 2). In embodiments, robotic device signals may include infrared, laser, radio frequency, wifi, sonar, light, sound waves, global positioning signal, cellular communication device transmissions, magnetic field signal, or other suitable wireless signal type.

Further, during movement robotic device 104 may travel along direction 430 toward virtual boundary 314. As shown in FIG. 4, the robotic device 104 is still located a distance from virtual boundary 314. At the position illustrated, robotic device signal 420 is only being received by one receiver of a receiver pair associated with boundary 314. As such, a controller in virtual boundary device 300 detects that only one of receiver pair is receiving robotic device signal 420 and does not enable transmission of a boundary signal.

FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of robotic device 104 intersecting virtual boundary 314 embodying features of the present invention. Once robotic device 104 is located at virtual boundary 314, robotic device signal 420 is substantially simultaneously received by a receiver pair of virtual boundary device 300. A controller detects a receiver pair is receiving robotic device signal 420. The controller then enables a transmitter to send an outbound signal to robotic device 104. Robotic device 104 receives the boundary signal and its controller instructs the robotic device 104 to alter its movement to avoid crossing virtual boundary 314. As an illustrated example, robotic device 104 may reverse its path and proceed in direction 510. As robotic device 104 moves away from virtual boundary 314, both receivers of a receiver pair are no longer substantially simultaneously receiving robotic device signal 420. The virtual boundary device controller detects the lack of a signal at the receiver pair and the virtual boundary device controller then terminates the boundary signal. Thus, the robotic device is prevented from crossing the virtual boundary 314 and equally prevented from covering out of bounds area 412.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of virtual boundary device embodying features of the present invention. As illustrated, virtual boundary device 600 is rotatably adjustable. Further illustrated, upper portion 602 is rotatably coupled with lower portion 604. Upper portion 602 has a pair of passages 610 and each passage terminates at a receiver (not shown). The receivers of passages 610 are a receiver pair. Passages 610 and corresponding receiver pair are configured similar to the embodiments described above such that they define a virtual boundary 612. Lower portion 604 also has passages 620 and each passage 620 terminates at a receiver (not shown). Passages 620 and corresponding receiver pair are configured to define virtual boundary 622. Virtual boundary device 600 may also include a controller and transmitter similar to those previously described above.

In operation, a user may rotate upper portion 602 in direction 630 or 640 relative to bottom portion 604. In this manner, virtual boundary 612 may be adjusted relative to virtual boundary 622. This configuration allows users to customize the angle between virtual boundaries to fit the particular needs of a working environment. In some embodiments, virtual boundaries may be activated and deactivated through a switch or button 650 that activates and deactivates the corresponding receiver pairs. Switch 650 may control a switch located between the power source and the receiver set.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of virtual boundary device 700 embodying features of the present invention. As illustrated, virtual boundary device 700 includes cylindrically shaped housing 702. Housing 702 includes top surface 704 and side surface 706. Side surface 706 includes a number of virtual boundary components 710 positioned along the circumference of housing 702. Each virtual boundary component includes a pair of passages and receivers similar to those described above. A plurality of buttons 720 may be positioned along top surface 704. Each button may be associated with one of the virtual boundary components 710. The button may control a switch located between a power source and the receivers located within the respective virtual boundary component 710. A user may selectively enable different virtual boundary components to configure the appropriate virtual boundaries for the robotic device. FIG. 7 illustrates an example where two of the virtual boundary components are enabled, thereby defining two virtual boundaries 730 and 740. Other configurations are possible by enabling or disabling selected setters 720 as desired.

The number and positioning of sets of receivers may vary and is not limited. The designs shown are for illustration purposes only and are not meant to be restrictive. Various types of wireless signals, such as infrared light, laser, radio frequencies, wifi signals, sonar signals, light, sound waves, global positioning signal, cellular communication device transmissions, magnetic field signal, or any other available wireless signal may be used for sending signals from the robotic device to the transceiver and for sending signals from the transceiver's emitter to the robotic device.

FIG. 8 illustrates a virtual boundary device embodying features of the present invention. As illustrated, virtual boundary device 800 may include housing 802. Within housing 802, receiver pair 810 and 812 are each located at the terminal end of each of passages 806 and 808 respectively. The combination of passages and receiver pair may be termed a virtual boundary component. Passages 806 and 808 extend from surface 804 to receiver pair 810 and 812 at an angle. The angle utilized prevents receiver pair 810 and 812 from substantially simultaneously receiving a signal unless the signal is emitted from a robotic device positioned along a line as illustrated by line 814. Thus, when a robotic device emitting a robotic device signal is positioned along virtual boundary 814, receiver pair 810 and 812 may substantially simultaneously receive a signal and thereby the robotic device may be caused to avoid the virtual boundary.

Further illustrated are a number of baffles 824 positioned along the walls of passage 806. Baffles may be utilized to further narrow the reception range of receiver pair 810 and 812 and reduce reception of reflected signals being transmitted toward receiver pair 810 and 812. Baffles may be angled toward opening of passages. In embodiments, baffles may be manufactured from signal absorbing materials or signal reflective materials without limitation. In further embodiments, baffles may be angled at a range of approximately 10 to 60 degrees, more preferably 40 degrees. As may be appreciated, different angles may impart different signal reception characteristics.

In embodiments, the robotic device may avoid the virtual boundary by altering its movement in any number of ways such as, stopping, slowing, and changing course without limitation. In embodiments, other appropriate actions may include triggering an algorithm or marking the present location as a boundary on a map without limitation. In further embodiments methods may allow robotic devices to pass a virtual boundary after a number of times of encountering the virtual boundary. In so doing, a work area may be completed before a robotic device moves across the virtual boundary to another work area. In other embodiments, methods may provide location information as a robotic device crosses a virtual boundary. For example, when a boundary system is placed at an entrance threshold, a robotic device crossing the virtual boundary provided may signal that the robotic device has entered a particular room and is now covering that room. In embodiments, receiver pairs may be configured for receiving various signals such as, for example: infrared, laser, radio frequency, wifi, sonar, light, sound waves, global positioning signal, cellular communication device transmissions, magnetic field signal, or any other suitable wireless signal sent by a robotic device. In embodiment, the passages 806 are set at an angle with respect to a virtual boundary line. Passage angles may be in a range of approximately −90 to 90 degrees with respect to a virtual boundary line, and preferably approximately −45 to 45 degrees with respect to a virtual boundary line. In addition, in embodiments, passage angles between sensors may be the same, may be inversely related, or may be different from each other without limitation.

Further illustrated is passage 820 and receiver 822. As illustrated, passage 820 may be positioned between passage 806 and passage 808. Unlike passages 806 and 808, passage 820 is not angled. Rather passage 820, in embodiments, may be substantially parallel with respect to virtual boundary 814. In embodiments, an additional receivers may provide addition control inputs. For example, in an embodiment, when a signal is received at receivers 812 and 822 _([1]), an instruction may be transmitted to a robotic device as, for example, “slow” or “begin turn.” Likewise, when a signal is received at receivers 810 and 822 _([2]) a further instruction may be transmitted to a robotic device. In this manner, a robotic device may be more finely tuned to operate within a virtual boundary.

Returning to FIG. 8, virtual boundary device 800 may include a controller 840 which may be electrically coupled with each of receiver 810, 812, and 822. Further, transmitter 850 may be electrically coupled with controller 840. Transmitter 850 may be a transmitter for infrared, laser, radio frequency, wifi, sonar, light, sound waves, global positioning signal, cellular communication device transmissions, magnetic field signal, or other suitable wireless transmitter which is compatible with a signal which may be received by the robotic device. Controller 840 may function to detect whether both receivers of any receiver pair substantially simultaneously receives an incoming signal. Any time a receiver pair substantially simultaneously receives an incoming signal, controller 840 enables transmitter 850 to transmit boundary signals, which may be received by a robotic device positioned along a virtual boundary and which may be programmed to alter its movement path upon receipt of the boundary signal. The controller 840 may be implemented with AND gate logic circuits. Other implementations may also be used, such as processor based controllers.

In embodiments, housings may be constructed of a type of material and a thickness which effectively blocks the robotic device signal. Alternatively, the circuit 840 may monitor the signal strength of the robotic device signal at each receiver and only enables the transmitter when the signal strength from both receivers exceeds a threshold amount which indicates that the robotic device signal is passing through both passages to the respective receivers.

It may be appreciated that robotic device embodiments disclosed herein may be autonomous, semi-autonomous, or remote controlled. That is, robotic device embodiments are not limited in response to virtual boundary systems provided herein. For example, a robotic device may, upon reaching a steep turn, engage a semi-autonomous vehicle on a track to navigate the steep turn. It may be further appreciated that many types of coordination with systems provided herein may be contemplated.

FIG. 9 illustrates virtual boundary devices embodying features of the present invention. As noted above, in embodiments passages may be at various angles with respect to a virtual boundary line. In embodiments, passage angles may be in a range of approximately −90 to 90 degrees with respect to a virtual boundary line and preferably approximately −45 to 45 degrees with respect to a virtual boundary line. In addition, in embodiments, passage angles between sensors may be the same, may be inversely related, or may be different from each other without limitation. Various passage configurations are illustrated in FIG. 9. For example, virtual boundary device 900 may include a pair of passages 902A and 902B, which passages may be inwardly facing with respect to virtual boundary line 910. Lines 904A and 904B are parallel with virtual boundary line 910 and are provided for reference. As illustrated, passage 902A is angled at θ¹ 908A and may received signals along line 906A. Likewise, passage 902B is angled at θ² 908B and may received signals along line 906B. In another embodiment, virtual boundary device 920 may include a pair of passages 922A and 922B, which passages may be outwardly facing with respect to virtual boundary line 930. Lines 924A and 924B are parallel with virtual boundary line 930 and are provided for reference. As illustrated, passage 922A is angled at θ¹ 928A and may received signals along line 926A. Likewise, passage 922B is angled at θ² 928B and may received signals along line 926B. In a further embodiment, virtual boundary device 940 may include a pair of passages 942A and 942B, which passages may be rightward facing with respect to virtual boundary line 950. Lines 944A and 944B are parallel with virtual boundary line 950 and are provided for reference. As illustrated, passage 942A is angled at θ¹ 948A and may received signals along line 946A. Likewise, passage 942B is angled at θ² 948B and may received signals along line 946B. It may be seen from the foregoing examples that passages may be configured at any angle without departing from embodiments provided herein. In addition, angles between passages may be the same or different without limitation in embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a virtual boundary device embodying features of the present invention. As illustrated, virtual boundary device 1000 may include a pair of passages 1002A and 1002B, which passages may be forward facing with respect to virtual boundary line 1010. As illustrated, passage 1002A has an angle θ¹ 1008A of approximately zero with respect to virtual boundary line 1010. That is, passage 1002A is substantially parallel with virtual boundary line 1010. Further, passage 1002A may receive signals along line 1006A. Further illustrated, passage 1002B has an angle θ² 1008B of approximately zero with respect to virtual boundary line 1010. That is, passage 1002B is substantially parallel with virtual boundary line 1010. Further, passage 1002B may receive signals along line 1006B. It may be seen from the foregoing examples that passages may be configured at any angle without departing from embodiments provided herein. In addition, angles between passages may be the same or different without limitation in embodiments.

Alternate Embodiments

FIG. 11 illustrates a virtual boundary device embodying features of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 11 is an illustrative representation of a passage embodiment using additional optical configurations. As illustrated, virtual boundary device 1100 may include passage 1102 that, unlike previous embodiments, terminates in reflective element 1106. As illustrated, passage 1012 is substantially parallel with virtual boundary line 1110. In embodiments, reflective element 1106 may be utilized to reflect received signals 1104 toward sensor 1112. Reflective element embodiments may be matched to reflect a particular signal or range of signals as desired. In addition, virtual boundary device 1100 may further include focusing element 1108 for focusing signal 1104 toward sensor 1112. Any type of suitable focusing element known in the art may be utilized without departing from embodiments contemplated herein. As above passages utilizing optical configurations may be at various angles with respect to a virtual boundary line without limitation and without departing from embodiments provided herein.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles and the application of the invention, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in its various embodiments and modifications according to the particular purpose contemplated. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Further, the Abstract is provided herein for convenience and should not be employed to construe or limit the overall invention, which is expressed in the claims. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for utilizing virtual boundaries with robotic devices comprising: positioning a virtual boundary device having a first receiver pair to receive a first robotic device signal substantially simultaneously by each receiver of the first receiver pair from a first robotic device only when the first robotic device is positioned along a first virtual boundary, wherein the virtual boundary device comprises at least: a first parallel passage terminating at a first receiver; a second parallel passage terminating at a second receiver, the first receiver and the second receiver forming the first receiver pair; and a third passage terminating at a third receiver for receiving the first robotic signal, wherein the third passage is located between the first parallel passage and the second parallel passage; operating the first robotic device to move automatically within an area co-located with the first virtual boundary; transmitting the first robotic device signal by the first robotic device; and receiving the first robotic device signal substantially simultaneously by each receiver of the first receiver pair thereby indicating that the first robotic device is positioned along the first virtual boundary.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: in response to receiving the first robotic device signal substantially simultaneously, altering the first robotic device movement to avoid crossing the first virtual boundary.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein altering the first robotic movement further comprises: transmitting a boundary signal from the virtual boundary device; and receiving the boundary signal by the first robotic device.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first robotic device signal is only transmitted during a designated time.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first receiver pair is configured to receive the first robotic device signal only during a designated time.
 6. The method of claim 3, wherein the boundary signal is transmitted only during a designated time.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: positioning at least one additional virtual boundary device each having at least one additional receiver pair to receive the first robotic device signal substantially simultaneously from the first robotic device only when the first robotic device is positioned along at least one additional virtual boundary; operating the first robotic device to move automatically within an area co-located with the at least one additional virtual boundary; transmitting the first robotic device signal by the first robotic device; and receiving the first robotic device signal substantially simultaneously by each receiver of by the first receiver pair at least one additional first receiver pair thereby indicating that the first robotic device is positioned along the at least one additional virtual boundary.
 8. The method of claim 7, comprising: a boundary device, wherein at least two virtual boundary devices are pivotally coupled therewith.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first parallel passage and the second parallel passage each further include a plurality of baffles positioned along first and second passage walls, wherein the plurality of baffles are angled toward openings of the first and second passage.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the parallel passages are angled to physically prevent the first robotic device signal from substantially simultaneously reaching the receiver pair except when the first robotic device is positioned along the first virtual boundary.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first robotic device signal is selected from the group consisting of: infrared, laser, radio frequency, wifi, sonar, light, sound waves, global positioning signal, cellular communication device transmissions, and magnetic field signals.
 12. A virtual boundary system for robotic devices comprising: at least one robotic device each comprising, a robotic transmitter for transmitting a robotic device signal, a robotic receiver for receiving a boundary signal, and a robotic controller for altering movement of the robotic device in response to receiving the boundary signal; and at least one boundary device each comprising, at least one virtual boundary device having passages and a receiver pair, the receiver pair configured to receive the robotic device signal substantially simultaneously by each receiver of the receiver pair when the at least one robotic device is positioned along at least one virtual boundary, wherein the at least one virtual boundary device comprises at least: a first parallel passage terminating at a first receiver; a second parallel passage terminating at a second receiver, the first receiver and the second receiver forming the first receiver pair; a third passage terminating at a third receiver for receiving the first robotic signal, wherein the third passage is located between the first parallel passage and the second parallel passage; and a boundary transmitter for transmitting the boundary signal in response to receiving the robotic device signal substantially simultaneously by each receiver of the first receiver pair.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one boundary device comprises: at least two virtual boundary devices pivotally coupled therewith wherein each of the at least two virtual boundary devices each establish a separate virtual boundary.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the passages are angled to physically prevent the robotic device signal from substantially simultaneously reaching the receiver pair except when the robotic device is positioned along the at least one virtual boundary.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one virtual boundary is established only during a designated time.
 16. A computing device program product for utilizing virtual boundaries with robotic devices, the computing device program product comprising: a non-transitory computer readable medium; first programmatic instructions for operating a first robotic device to move automatically within an area co-located with a first virtual boundary, the first virtual boundary established by positioning a virtual boundary device having a first receiver pair to receive a first robotic device signal substantially simultaneously by each receiver of the first receiver pair from the first robotic device only when the first robotic device is positioned along the first virtual boundary wherein the first virtual boundary device comprises at least: a first parallel passage terminating at a first receiver; a second parallel passage terminating at a second receiver, the first receiver and the second receiver forming the first receiver pair; and a third passage terminating at a third receiver for receiving the first robotic signal, wherein the third passage is located between the first parallel passage and the second parallel passage; second programmatic instructions for transmitting the first robotic device signal by the first robotic device; third programmatic instructions for receiving the first robotic device signal substantially simultaneously by each receiver of the first receiver pair thereby indicating that the first robotic device is positioned along the first virtual boundary; and fourth programmatic instructions for altering the first robotic device movement to avoid crossing the virtual boundary.
 17. The program product of claim 16, wherein fourth programmatic instructions for altering the first robotic movement further comprises: transmitting a boundary signal from the virtual boundary device; and receiving the boundary signal by the first robotic device. 